’I don’t know more than I did 12 months ago’

THE devastated family of a Moreton Bay teenager who died almost a year ago in a weightlifting accident is yet to receive any response from authorities about what happened to their son.

Ben Shaw, 15, of Bray Park north of Brisbane, dropped a heavy barbell on his throat while bench-pressing at the Pine Rivers PCYC on the night of September 26 last year. He died in hospital four days later.

Police sources said CCTV footage showed Ben trapped under the weight for up to 20 minutes before someone at the gym noticed. But by that point the damage had already been done.

After being told she would receive answers in January this year, Ben's mother Dalya Shaw said she felt no closure.

"I switch between frustration and disbelief," Ms Shaw said.

"It makes it difficult because there are those rumours. But there has been nothing factual put out there yet. We don't even know what happened.

"I don't have any more answers than what I had 12 months ago."

Ben Shaw, 15, died after dropping a heavy barbell on his throat.

When Ben died, Ms Shaw hoped she would see sweeping changes to the fitness industry, including closer monitoring of gym-goers by staff.

Queensland Law Society immediate past president Christine Smyth also called for changes to gym regulations following Ben's death, but so far the calls have fallen on deaf ears.

"I want to know what's going to change," Ms Shaw said.

"It's not even so much about getting an answer as to what happened on the night. It's what's going to be the answer that will stop this happening to someone else."

A comedy night charity event called LOL 4 Ben will be held on September 22 to raise funds for Ben's old rugby league club and beyondblue.

Hundreds are expected to attend the event, including friends and people from across Australia who were touched by his story.

The PCYC gym at Pine Rivers

Ben's father Scott said he had spent his first Father's Day alone, but wanted to help keep his son's legacy alive.

"It was a lonely one, however I will always be Ben's very proud father, and I am determined to live my life in a way that he would be proud of," Mr Shaw said.

Ben was a healthy 15-year-old boy who loved rugby league.

He was training to be fitter and stronger for the following season when he died.

He has been described as an "amazing, mature and kind'' boy who enjoyed helping others.

Workplace Health and Safety statement read: "The investigation is ongoing, but nearing completion.

"As such, WHSQ cannot provide further comment other than to confirm it has been a complex investigation with multiple entities involved."

Ben's organs were donated so that others could benefit from his tragic passing.